Welcome Hendrik!

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Hendrik Brandis

Co-Founder & Partner, Earlybird GmbH

About:

Dr. Hendrik Brandis is a Co-founder and Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital, focusing on DeepTech (including energy and spacetech) and Enterprise Software. With over 29 years of investment, operational, and entrepreneurial experience, Hendrik has played a pivotal role in supporting and scaling cutting-edge technology startups across Europe. He serves on the boards of several Earlybird portfolio companies, including Isar Aerospace, eleQtron, Greenlyte, Onefootball, Marvel Fusion, and Simscale. Before founding Earlybird, Hendrik was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led the firm’s SME initiative and helped establish McKinsey New Venture. Earlier in his career, he worked as an aerospace engineer at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (now part of Airbus). He holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University of Munich and is also a world-champion sailor.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

10:10 AM - 10:40 AM I Term Sheet Stage

Tuesday, September 30th - Conference Day 2

Briefings

In the briefing, you’ll receive all essential information about the event and its surroundings — everything you need to feel well-prepared and confident throughout the experience.

Get your Briefing

Your Agenda

Monday, September 28th, Conference Day 1

Time

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conference Day I

Immerse yourself in a day filled with visionary keynotes, hands-on masterclasses, and exclusive networking opportunities.

12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Bits & Pretzels 50 Private Lunch

Your opportunity to connect with fellow Bits50 peers and exchange ideas with some of the most inspiring people in the ecosystem – all over a high-quality, shared meal. Important: Lunch requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

4:30 pm

Preferred Seating for Main Stage Highlight Speaker

Please ensure a timely arrival so our team can personally escort you to your seats.

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Bits & Pretzels 50 Pre-Oktoberfest Apéro

Expect an informal setting, inspiring conversations, and cold drinks as the sun sets over Munich. Your moment to reflect and recharge before we move to the Oktoberfest for the VIP Dinner. Important: Sundowner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

7:30 pm - 8:00 pm

VIP Oktoberfest Shuttle

All aboard! We’ll head over together in our dedicated VIP shuttles.

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm

The Legendary Speaker Dinner

Enjoy our unique VIP Dinner Experience. At the heart of Oktoberfest, where tradition and innovation collide in the oldest of all tents. Please note: the VIP Dinner is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: Dinner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

Tuesday, September 29th, Conference Day 2

Time

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conference Day II

Experience deep-dive discussions, interactive panel talks, and curated matchmaking sessions that bring together the brightest minds in business and innovation.

11:45 am - 12:20 pm

Europe vs US: Where Do Funds Really Generate Alpha?

How do you assess geography, valuation, talent, DPI, and fund-return potential across both sides of the Atlantic? From Europe’s risk-adjusted promise to America’s dominance in category creation and exits, this panel explores what truly drives venture returns in global portfolios. Perspectives from all sides from US GP to EU LP.

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Bits & Pretzels Speaker Dinner @ Käfer Feinkostladen

The evening promises high-level networking in an exceptional setting, complemented by exquisite cuisine. We are delighted to host the dinner at the iconic Käfer Feinkostladen, one of Munich’s most renowned culinary institutions, and look forward to welcoming you for a memorable evening.

Wednesday, September 30th, Oktoberfest Day

Time

8:30 am to 10:00 am

Invite-only VIP Breakfast at Oktoberfest

The Breakfast is taking place at the one and only, legendary "Teufelsrad"! This isn't just a breakfast – the historic venue embodies Bavarian tradition, offering you a unique glimpse into Oktoberfest's joyful spirit. Please note: the Table Captain Breakfast is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: the Breakfast requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Table Captain Networking (optional)

The final day of Bits & Pretzels takes place at the original Munich Oktoberfest - in the Schottenhamel tent, exclusively reserved for our community of founders, investors, and leaders. Thousands connect here over Bavarian spirit and entrepreneurial drive.

Social Media Graphics

Share it on social media to announce your role at Bits & Pretzels 2026 and tag #Bits26. If you want to get the most out of this, here are our tips to boost reach & engagement:

Add the Hashtag #bits26 and mention @Bits&Pretzels so we can  interact with your content.
Mention any fellow speaker/table captains who are also attending
Mention what companies/people you are excited to meet at Bits

Social Media Posts - LinkedIn

Open

Social Media Posts - Speaking Slot

Open

Your Ticket

Your ticket grants access to all three days of the event.
Please use the exclusive VIP/Speaker check-in at Entrance West (badge collection with ticket + valid ID).
Note: short waiting times may occur on Monday morning.

Your Presentation - deadline 23.09.2026

Upload Guidelines for Presentations

- Format: 16:9 (Full HD / 1920 × 1080 px)
- Accepted Files: .key, .pptx, or .pdf -Requirements: All fonts and videos must be embedded in the file.

Deadline: All presentation materials must be submitted no later than September 23, 2026.
This is necessary to allow our technical team to review and test the presentations in advance.

Upload